Such things have been of yore, On the grape-clusters pour; Turn we to other climes!— And ancient battle-rhymes But, ere the giant-fane O'er that old burial-plain Flash 'd the keen Saxon dagger!—Blood was streaming Where late the mead-cup to the sun was gleaming, And Britain's hearths were heap'd that night in vain— For they return'd no more! They that went forth at morn, with reckless heart, * Stonehenge, said by some traditions to have been erected to the memory of Ambrosius, an early British king; and by others mentioned as a monumental record of the massacre of British chiefs here alluded to. In that fierce banquet's mirth to hear their part; And, on the rushy floor, And the bright spears and bucklers of the walls, The high wood-fires were blazing in their halls; But not for them—they slept—their feast was o'er I Fear ye the festal hour! Ay, tremble when the cup of joy o'erflows! Tame down the swelling heart!—the bridal rose, And the rich myrtle's flower Have veil'd the sword!—Red wines have sparkled fast From venom'd goblets, and soft breezes pass'd, Twine the young glowing wreath! Like summer's quickening breath! SONG OF THE BATTLE OF In the year 1315, Switzerland was invaded by Duke Leopold of Austria, with a formidable army. It is well attested that this prince repeatedly declared he e would trample the audacious rustics under his feet;' and that he had procured a large stock of cordage, for the purpose of binding their chiefs, and putting them to death. "The 15th October, 1315, dawned. The sun darted its first rays on the shields and armour of the advancing host; and this being the first army ever known to have attempted the frontiers of the cantons, the Swiss viewed its long line with various emotions. Montfort de Tettnang led the cavalry into the narrow pass, and soon filled the whole space between the mountain (Mount Sattel) and the lake. The fifty men on the eminence (above Morgarten) raised a sudden shout, and rolled down heaps of rocks and stones among the crowded ranks. The confederates on the mountain, perceiving the impression made by this attack, rushed down in close array, and fell upon the flank of the disordered column. With massy clubs they dashed in pieces the armour of the enemy, and dealt their blows and thrusts with long pikes. The narrowness of the defile admitted of no evolutions, and a slight frost having injured the road- the horses were impeded in all their motions; many leaped into the lake; all were startled; and at last the whole column gave way, and fell suddenly back on the in- The wine-month* shone in its golden prime, And the red grapes clustering hung, A sound, through vaulted cave,' And a trumpet, pealing wild and far, 'Midst the ancient rocks was blown, And through the forest-glooms In Hasli's f wilds there was gleaming steel, * Wine-month, the German name for October, And the Schreckhorns* rocks, with a savage peal, Made mirth of his clarion's blast. Up 'midst the Righif snows The stormy march was heard, With the charger's tramp, whence fire-sparks rose, And the leader's gathering word. But a band, the noblest band of all, Through the rude Morgarten strait, The herdsman's arm is strong! The sun was reddening the clouds of morn When they enter'd the rock-defile, When storms at distance brood. There was stillness, as of deep dead night, And a pause—but not of fear, While the Switzers gazed on the gathering might Of the hostile shield and spear. * Schreckhorn, the peak of terror, a mountain in the canton of Berne. t Righi, a mountain in the canton of Scnwytz. |